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Selected Verse: 2 Corinthians 8:3 - Strong Concordance

Verse	Translation	Text
2Co 8:3	Strong Concordance	For [3754] to [2596] their power [1411], I bear record [3140], yea, and [2532] beyond [5228] their power [1411] they were willing of themselves [830];
	King James	For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;

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A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]
they were willing--rather, supply from Co2 8:5, the ellipsis thus, "According to their power . . . yea, and beyond their power, THEY GAVE." of themselves--not only not being besought, but themselves beseeching us.

A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]

they were willing--rather, supply from Co2 8:5, the ellipsis thus, "According to their power . . . yea, and beyond their power, THEY GAVE."

of themselves--not only not being besought, but themselves beseeching us.

Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]
For to their power - To the utmost of their ability. I bear record - Paul had founded those churches and had spent much time with them. He was therefore well qualified to bear testimony in regard to their condition. Yea, and beyond their power - Beyond what could have been expected; or beyond what it would have been thought possible in their condition. Doddridge remarks that this is a noble hyperbole, similar to that used by Demosthenes when he says, "I have performed all, even with an industry beyond my power." The sense is, they were willing to give more than they were well able. It shows the strong interest which they had in the subject, and the anxious desire which they had to relieve the needs of others. Of themselves - (αὐθαίρεται authairetai). Acting from choice, self-moved, voluntarily, of their own accord. They did not wait to be urged and pressed to do it. They rejoiced in the opportunity of doing it. They came forward of their own accord and made the contribution. "God loveth a cheerful giver" Co2 9:7; and from all the accounts which we have of these churches in Macedonia it is evident that they were greatly distinguished for their cheerful liberality.

Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]

For to their power - To the utmost of their ability.

I bear record - Paul had founded those churches and had spent much time with them. He was therefore well qualified to bear testimony in regard to their condition.

Yea, and beyond their power - Beyond what could have been expected; or beyond what it would have been thought possible in their condition. Doddridge remarks that this is a noble hyperbole, similar to that used by Demosthenes when he says, "I have performed all, even with an industry beyond my power." The sense is, they were willing to give more than they were well able. It shows the strong interest which they had in the subject, and the anxious desire which they had to relieve the needs of others.

Of themselves - (αὐθαίρεται authairetai). Acting from choice, self-moved, voluntarily, of their own accord. They did not wait to be urged and pressed to do it. They rejoiced in the opportunity of doing it. They came forward of their own accord and made the contribution. "God loveth a cheerful giver" Co2 9:7; and from all the accounts which we have of these churches in Macedonia it is evident that they were greatly distinguished for their cheerful liberality.

Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886]
They were willing (αὐθαίρετοι) The adjective stands alone. Only here and Co2 8:17. Lit., self-chosen, and so Rev., of their own accord.

Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886]

They were willing (αὐθαίρετοι)

The adjective stands alone. Only here and Co2 8:17. Lit., self-chosen, and so Rev., of their own accord.

Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826
For to their power, etc. - In their liberality they had no rule but their ability; they believed they were bound to contribute all they could; and even this rule they transgressed, for they went beyond their power - they deprived themselves for a time of the necessaries of life, in order to give to others who were destitute even of necessaries.

Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826

For to their power, etc. - In their liberality they had no rule but their ability; they believed they were bound to contribute all they could; and even this rule they transgressed, for they went beyond their power - they deprived themselves for a time of the necessaries of life, in order to give to others who were destitute even of necessaries.

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